The proposed Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project consisted of 17 run-of-river hydroelectric facilities and associated infrastructure (transmission lines, substations, barge landing sites, and roads) in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. These proposed projects were to be located 90 to 170 km northeast of the community of Powell River, and situated on tributaries of the Homathko, Southgate, and Orford rivers, in addition to the Bear River — a direct tributary to Bute Inlet. Combined, these projects would have had the capacity to produce enough electricity to meet the needs of 300,000 homes.
EDI was responsible for the aquatic baseline and associated environmental impact assessment tasks for the project. Our responsibilities included:
- designing and implementing studies pertaining to fish distribution, life history and aquatic ecology (resident anadromous species) within project watersheds;
- environmental protection planning;
- implementing radio telemetry study for resident char;
- using DNA to describe population structure for various fish species; and,
- coordinating and collaborating on field tasks with Homalco First Nation Technicians.